Mar 9, 2024|

JD.com Recognized by United Nations Global Compact for Advancing Gender Equality in the Workplace

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To mark International Women’s Day, the UN Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, released a new report titled Women at Work: Chinese companies taking action on gender equality on March 8, which highlights JD.com’s commitment to fostering gender equality in its workplace.

The report features a selection of case studies and personal stories from various industries across China, spotlighting exemplary practices and insights gained in advancing gender equality within the workplace. It offers a comprehensive overview of both global and China-specific progress in this arena through an examination of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly focusing on SDG 5: Gender Equality. Additionally, the report provides actionable gender equality roadmaps and essential resources for businesses, encouraging them to play a pivotal role in the collective journey towards achieving SDG 5.

Commenting on the report’s release, Sanda Ojiambo, CEO and Executive Director of the UN Global Compact said: “In our ongoing journey toward achieving gender equality, it’s inspiring to see the commitment and innovative approaches detailed in Women at Work. During a recent visit to China, I witnessed firsthand the dynamic discussions and unwavering dedication among business leaders to advance this cause. This report is not just a reflection of current practices but a call to action for companies worldwide to amplify their efforts in fostering inclusive and equitable workplaces. This report underscores the urgency and importance of building a more gender-inclusive business landscape.”

JD.com is honored to be the first Chinese company visited by Ms. Ojiambo during her China trip, in which she met JD’s first female CEO, Sandy Xu, and gained insights into the company’s rich history and its commitment to SDGs in green supply chain, responsible consumption, and gender equality, among others.

A Shining Example of Empowerment

The report highlights the story of Han Xue, a customer service representative and mother living with a disability. She is a member of JD.com’s “Sunshine Angels” program, which provides online customer service job opportunities to people with disabilities. In her interview, Han said, “This job has not only allowed me to help others and forge friendships, but it also helped me  regain confidence and zest for life.”

Han stressed the importance of striking a balance between work and family life, adding, “I aspire to be an optimistic and content mother.” She highlighted JD.com’s supportive environment, which recognizes and rewards her contributions, enabling her to excel professionally while being a devoted parent.JD’s “Sunshine Angels” initiative, launched in 2013, currently comprises around 100 members, with women constituting 70% of the core team. With plans to expand this initiative to 500 members, JD.com aims to provide more employment opportunities and development avenues for female employees and individuals with disabilities

A Win-Win Pursuit

Han’s story is a testament to JD.com’s commitment to nurturing a supportive workplace culture that facilitates the growth and success of all its employees. With nearly 620,000 employees, JD.com believes that offering tailored support to female employees and their families is mutually beneficial for the company. The company has undertaken substantial, measurable efforts in relevant areas, such as establishing a RMB 10 billion housing fund, providing childcare resources, offering comprehensive maternity benefits, and expanding its employee relief fund. These efforts propelled JD.com to become the first Chinese company in its industry selected for Bloomberg’s 2023 Gender Equality Index, underscoring its dedication to gender equality and sustainable employee development.

Moreover, as a company with both digital and real economy capabilities, JD.com offers diverse career opportunities for female employees, particularly opportunities in STEM fields, spanning digital industry services, research and development, internet healthcare, and more. Last year, the company also appointed a Chief Diversity Officer, further enhancing the environment for employee growth and development.

According to Zhang Pang, Chief Human Resources Officer at JD.com, prioritizing employee development is paramount. By fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment with long-term development opportunities, JD.com aims to generate greater value for both the company and society.

Aligning ESG Strategies with SDGs

JD.com’s ESG Director Li Yi who is also interviewed in the report highlighted the challenges and opportunities in advancing gender equality and underscored JD.com’s participation in the UN Global Compact’s Target Gender Equality Accelerator program in 2022 and the company’s commitment to the “Forward Faster” initiative in 2023, with a special focus on gender equality.

Li Yi shared, “Our involvement with the UN Global Compact has empowered us with a more profound sense of purpose, driving us to encourage business engagement in fostering women’s economic empowerment and contributing to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development within the UN framework.”

 

(vivian.yang@jd.com)

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